The open beta players will have access
to all 200 BattleForge cards and all maps in the game. Everyone who takes part
in the beta will get the bonus, upgraded Firedancer unit that will be available
after launch. Players who pre-order BattleForge from participating retailers
will receive four, exclusive units, one from each faction to jump start their
decks.

BattleForge combines fast-paced strategy with a digital trading card mechanic in
a dynamic online environment. Players use virtual trading cards to build custom
armies and lay waste to their foes. Combining the strategic, real-time gameplay
of classics such as Command & ConquerTM with a fully enabled, online collectible
community, BattleForge is a breath of fresh air in the strategy genre. With an
all-new style of play that is more accessible for casual gamers, BattleForge
also offers a rich, deep gameplay experience that veteran RTS players seek. The
collectable cards are the tools of war -- each representing a spell, building or
unit that is conjured directly onto the battlefield in stunning 3D graphics.

BattleForge features single-player scenarios and cooperative scenarios for 2 to
12 players, as well as Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked and unranked duels. With
co-op play, guilds, chat rooms, and a robust marketplace featuring direct trade,
an auction hall, and in-game mail, BattleForge is the first RTS to combine the
social and community aspects of an MMO with an exciting RTS. Let the battles
begin!

I thought it was a blast, especially when you're working with three other players on Advanced levels - it requires teamwork or else you just don't get anywhere. It some respects it reminds me of the original Warcraft, though obviously without the base building. It plays much like DOWII but with more units.

If EA puts this on Steam and gets around to releasing their games here in the UK then I'll probably pick it up. Unfortunately that doesn't seem likely. Shame, because it's a bit of casual fun with the addition of strategy in the form of deck selection. Still, I miss the days of Age Of Empires when it comes to RTS games...